Take your event to the next level by hosting it in The Woodlands. From the glistening Waterway, to stunning venues tailor fit for your group, see how our team can help you inspire and impress.
With world-renowned restaurants nearby, 12,000-plus hotel rooms within a two-mile radius of the facility, and iconic music venues just a short walk away, there is no better place to host your next event than the Austin Convention Center.
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas
150+ nonstop flights to Austin from 95 destinations
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport named Top 10 Best Airport in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler three years in a row
Our service-first culture, with an all in-house staff, takes ownership of the guest’s entire experience. As a result, 100% of our clients would like to return for their next event based on survey results.
With our cutting edge technology, customized network solutions and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, we are ideal for many events with detailed and substantial technology needs.
BY JULIE KENDRICK
BY TERESA KENNEY
» EACH YEAR BRINGS new growth , and shifts in the industry throughout the past three years are a direct representation of that. Before the pandemic, the approach to creating connections was not at the forefront, but it soon became a topic of focus when we lost touch with one another during lockdowns. Now more than ever, each connection means something more than it did before, creating a new wave of qualified leads, social interactions, and accelerated relationships among event goers and beyond.
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It seems all realms of the industry are cashing in on the momentum— proving there is no shortage of ideas. From these new approaches toward establishing connections to other physical elements such as hybrid models, interactive activities, close-knit gatherings, and unique food concepts, meeting professionals and event planners are using their creativity to develop something memorable. That’s why in this season’s issue of Texas Meetings + Events , we focused on highlighting this year’s latest trends and modern venues that have excelled in taking the industry to new heights in the Lone Star State.
And, as the industry continues to shift, so does our brand. Join us in welcoming our new Texas Meetings + Events editor, Amy Durham, to the Greenspring Media team. As a Dallas resident, she brings an abundance of statewide knowledge to share with visitors from across the country. Durham offers an extensive skillset from the publishing world as a freelance editor and former senior editor of Success magazine. She can be reached at adurham@greenspring.com.
Cheers to new beginnings and happy reading!
AVA DIAZ Managing Editor
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If you’re looking for something fun to do in between your meeting or event, Dallas boasts twenty entertainment districts with walkable access to live music, boutiques, art and, of course, amazing food.
Start planning at DallasDelivers.com
This news is too exciting not to share: In 2029, Dallas will unveil an expanded convention center and entertainment experience. Get an early look at VisitDallas.com/ConventionCenter
Omni Dallas Hotel, Downtown
PHOTO: GRAND HYATT VAIL
When thinking about events, consider a micro-approach to enhance and encourage interactions among attendees.
Condensed in size and scope, micro-events help foster meaningful relationships through their intimate, tightknit settings and frequency. In addition, planning micro-events can be cost-effective due to the smaller scale.
To better accommodate greater connections, swap out a once-a-year occasion for a collection of smaller, hyperfocused meetings throughout the year—breaking up what would normally be one large event into smaller affairs scattered on a monthly or quarterly basis. Another option would be to schedule regular mini bonding events to keep the attendees engaged throughout the year.
One organization that has become an expert in this style is the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). Meeting monthly, NACE’s networking get-togethers are a way for eventindustry leaders to get involved, learn more, and feel inspired on a more regular basis.
Discover innovative ways to create the best captivating experience for your attendees with these three approaches.
BY AVA DIAZGaming is an immersive way to have fun, make lasting memories, and learn from one another. Consider activities such as an escape room, Topgolf, or a baking class where everyone can get involved, chat, and work together to accomplish something outside the office walls.
Themed events add more than just fun flair— they also make the occasion more marketable to potential attendees, clients, or sponsors. Showcase your creativity by fusing the theme into not only the decor, but also the menu, dress code, and overall message for the event. For ideas, consider a whimsical tea party lunch, a modern outdoor picnic, or a “Great Gatsby”-themed cocktail hour for a spirited gathering.
Workshops can provide a beneficial incentive for attendees. More specifically, they are a way for individuals to explore trends, apply new techniques, and interact with others with the same interests. These educational sessions can be broken down into a quarterly series to showcase different parts of a whole concept. In addition, they can provide a way for the guests to grow and learn together at the same pace, with the same effective resources.
COMPILED BY TERESA KENNEYMicro-events prove that bigger is not always better.Immersive experiences such as Topgolf Swing Suites instill small groups with comfortable, fun vibes.
» THE KIMPTON HARPER IN FORT WORTH introduced new meeting and event activities for groups. Located just steps from the Fort Worth Convention Center, the hotel now features 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Sanguinet Boardroom on the 24th floor and the Centurion Ballroom on the second floor.
ACOUSTIC GUITARIST A professional guitarist can set the mood for your event, providing background music in styles ranging from classical to jazz ($400 for the first hour and $100 for each additional hour).
CHAMPAGNE HOTLINE Toast your VIP or an awardwinning employee with a champagne delivery via the hotel’s champagne hotline—which includes souvenir champagne glasses. Deliveries can also be made to meeting rooms to celebrate a successful brainstorming session. (Price is determined by champagne selection.)
COCKTAIL CLASS Each class includes a champagne welcome and two hands-on cocktail lessons from the hotel’s bar team ($55 per person with a $100 bartender fee, or add a third cocktail for $75 per person with a $100 bartender fee).
PASTA-MAKING CLASS The hotel’s on-site restaurant, il Modo, o ers a hands-on class on how to make pasta from scratch. The experience includes a sampling of the restaurant’s pasta menu and a take-home recipe card ($65 per person).
PRIVATE YOGA CLASS Get into the Zen zone with a private, instructor-led yoga class for your group. There is an additional charge for alcohol or green juice pairings ($25 per person with a 10-person minimum).
WHISKEY & SMALL BITES PAIRING The Kimpton Harper created its own whiskey tour, complete with a menu of light bites to pair with each varietal. Bourbon and bubbly pairings are also available ($85 per person).
kimptonhotels.com
The Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas will become The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, under the management of Marriott International, in 2024. Still operating as a luxury resort and prime golf destination under the temporary name of The Las Colinas Resort, the entire property will undergo a $55 million renovation throughout 2023. The facelift will feature updates to all 431 guest rooms and villas, reimagined food and beverage concepts, an updated 90,000-square-foot space for meetings and events, an enhanced outdoor pool, and a 14,000-square-foot spa for visitors to relax and rejuvenate. The Las Colinas Resort will remain open during renovations
» AT SPREAD OAKS RANCH , true southern hospitality shines. Located on a pristine 5,500-acre property and nestled along a 5-mile stretch of the Colorado River just 90 minutes southwest of Houston, the ranch provides the perfect touch of pristine nature for your next relaxing meeting.
Boasting myriad features, the ranch is home to luxury room and bath accommodations (the 15,000-square-foot Main House, three casitas with a bunkhouse that each hosts six beds, and the Old Three Hundred with 12 beds), field- and farm-to-table cuisine sourced from an on-site chef, a 5-acre stocked bass lake, a skeet-shooting range, and an infinityedge pool. Located on diverse natural
terrain, the ranch offers hunting, saltwater and freshwater fishing, clay target shooting, swimming, and bird-watching.
Beyond a normal stay, Spread Oaks Ranch also provides customized 2.5-day leadership retreats for up to 12 participants (with a minimum of eight people).
During the retreat, outdoor team experiences, such as a two-team chuckwagon cookoff or a GPS scavenger hunt, are incorporated into the agenda. Designed and facilitated by individuals who have served as leaders of major corporations, private enterprises, and academia, the retreat is offered Sundays through Wednesdays, from December to April. Priced at $4,500 per person, the typical retreat agenda includes:
» DAY 1
– Leadership overview
– Discussion of performance-based culture
– Exchanging constructive feedback
– Lunch
– Review of principles of time, conflict, and meeting management
– Cocktails and dinner
– An evening activity
» DAY 2
– Individual one-hour coaching sessions
– Action-oriented team-building activity
– Cocktails and dinner
» DAY 3
– Team-building activity
– Action plans
– Lunch
spreadoaksranch.com
» THE TEXAS SELFIE MUSEUM in Austin is the picture-perfect spot for your next intimate event. Available for private rentals for up to 25 guests, the museum features installations with varied backdrops and props, including gumball machines, bathtubs, a wall of mirrors, disco balls, and more. Your guests can use their own cameras or cellphones to snap pictures or bring along a professional photographer. The venue can also be used for team-building activities. Fees are $500 per hour, Monday through Thursday, or $600 per hour Friday through Sunday.
originalselfiemuseum.com
In a secluded, windowless venue in the Fort Worth Stockyards, the latest addition to the Tim Love restaurant family sits. Caterina’s, a name based on the word “pure” in Italian, is a fresh take on Italian cuisine showcasing from-scratch recipes of classic items such as rigatoni, veal parmesan, and caprese salad.
Of course, Italian food is a natural hit, but the twist? It is a cellphone-free zone, which helps to create an atmosphere centered on human interaction.
Upon entry, phones are “locked” in pouches to encourage visitors to disconnect from the outside world and connect with what is there in front of them—a way to draw in “real people.” (But don’t worry, in case of emergency there are cherryred rotary phones to access through the phone jacks at each table.)
One might be wary of the idea that they can’t snap a few photos of the aesthetically pleasing experience. However, customers are assured that they can receive photos via email from the managers if they please.
This unique and innovative approach creates a natural ambiance that ensures its consumers will focus on the food and comradery. In addition to traditional reservations, Caterina’s also o ers private dining for parties of up to 100 people.
Book your next business meeting in Laredo, Texas. Our welcoming facilities, comfortable accommodations, personalized service, and affordable prices ensure your group is at the top of their game. And our bustling nightlife and welcoming bars will help them unwind and have a little fun. Book your meeting today and see if your group qualifies for incentives.
visitlaredo.com 1.800.361.3360
» THE FOUR BROTHERS RESTAURANT made its debut at Omni La Mansión del Rio in San Antonio. The contemporary, casual restaurant offers a fusion of traditional and modern Southern Texas cuisine, accented with Latin and French flavors.
The name of the restaurant honors Omni La Mansión del Rio’s history. Sixteen years after the fall of the Alamo in 1836, four brothers of the Society of Mary (John Baptist Laignoux, Nicholas Koenig, Xavier Mauclerc, and Andrew Edel) arrived in San Antonio to establish a school. Formerly known as St. Mary’s institute, the building later opened its doors as the first luxury hotel on the San Antonio River Walk in April 1968.
Four Brothers is configured to accomodate diverse social gatherings with different seating configurations in the dining room and adjoining lounge.
omnihotels.com
» LOCATED NEAR THE PEARLSTONE Grain Elevator in Dallas, Hickory Street Annex was originally a distribution center for Gulf Oil Corp. Constructed in 1921, it served the North Texas region of Gulf Oil Corp. as an automobile maintenance facility for the company’s vehicles.
Gulf Oil Corp. moved from the site in the late 1950s. Subsequently, it was the home of C.H. Collier Co. until the 1980s. It also housed Moonstruck Theater and the Deep Ellum Opera Theatre.
Today, the property has evolved into a thriving creative community. The seven buildings in the complex retain their original character and include an office building, a pumphouse, an automobile service building, and a large warehouse building. The complex’s event space is in the historic, loft-style brick warehouse. Offering views of downtown, the warehouse showcases exposed brick walls, steel trusses, a wood ceiling, and concrete floors. It can accommodate up to 250 guests.
hickorystreetannex.com
Event planners seek new ways to draw interest through innovative corporate messaging.
BY NATALIE COMPANGO
» BRANDING IS INTEGRATED into everything we do and use, at work and at home. It is part of our culture and our identity. “Brand adoption is how we identify ourselves to the people around us,” says Kristin Banta of Kristin Banta Events Inc. of Los Angeles. “We are in a brand culture. It’s the direct link between brand loyalty and consumers.”
How can event planners produce an event that authentically stands out and meets client expectations while still being creative enough to make a splash with guests?
While the core guidelines of branding remain consistent, drastic shifts in the meetings industry have opened new doors. The pandemic brought forth exciting avenues for innovation. Virtual events became a safe way to connect across time zones. Now, with in-person events coming back, the opportunities are endless.
Event branding should feel both intimate and personalized, whether it is for 12 people at a wine tasting or thousands at a convention center. “Branding is not a logo, it’s an experience,” notes Krissi Thomas of CIAO! Marketing+Strategy+Design of Toronto. When experiences are in line with a company’s mission and style, attendees go home with its messaging top of mind. Events should complement the brand by aligning with its aesthetic and ideology. For example, a luxury jewelry company
should be strategic with each detail, down to the linens on the table, to ensure the experience replicates the decadence it sells.
Branding is at the core of live events, and Justin Zebell, president and CEO of Streamline Event Agency and JoinIn, both in Tennessee, sees experiential elements as the trend that is driving this approach. He advises using a theme, saying “a memorable meeting is consistency and repetition.” He recommends guiding attendees with corporate messaging throughout the experience, keeping guests engaged with interactive experiences.
Having worked with musicians on tour, Zebell came to understand that artists perform their brand nightly, therefore, fans go home feeling as though they are part of the show. “Events are journeys,” Zebell says. “It’s not about a logo slap, it’s about how attendees feel. We give the consumer a brand hug instead.”
Pivoting from in-person experiential branding, Thomas enthuses about the benefits of the virtual events. “Virtual events become visual advertising,” she explains. “Virtual events aren’t ephemeral, they are recorded, so they have longevity and viral afterlives.”
In the tech industry, the advantages of virtual branding are immense. Online events can reach a larger audience across
multiple time zones. Streamed events are more cost-effective as companies can brand channels seamlessly using the same images and logos for social media, emails, blogs, videos, and chat forums. Due to their fixed budgets, these events become annual tent posts for the company.
Thomas described an event for a new client who wanted to embody their ethereal, dreamy experience. They achieved it through color, music, and light for onsite and virtual attendees. She points out, “Branding matters, because it evokes an emotion that propels people to action.”
In the film, entertainment, and fashion industries, brands make a big entrance to cinematic levels. For Banta, it means making memorable events while keeping her logo-adoring customers happy. “My clients want logos to have presence,” she says. “Being bold and cheeky, brand identity presented with a wink often gets the most notice. I make sure brand incorporation fits the marketing objective, of course.”
Banta thinks outside the norm by turning branding into art and art into branding. Her event company has stamped logos on ice cubes clinking in cocktails, marshmallows in desserts, and vintage telephones as table seating cards. She also looks for opportunities to incorporate reused and recycled objects into decorations. One stunner was to spraypaint quotes from a film onto vintage tapestries adorning the walls.
The president of New York City’s American Guest, John Williams, recognizes that every nuance reflects the product, starting with invites and extending to the location. “The location has to complement the brand, it is the experience,” he explains. For one event, he rented the Frank Gehry-designed Keep Memory Alive Event Center in Las Vegas. Each time the space is rented, money goes to a local health clinic—aligning with his client’s mission of giving back.
Personalizing by spotlighting the individual is also common. Some ways to do
this thoughtfully are through handwritten notes, allowing guests to choose their gifts, wine bottles with personalized labels, and take-home meals with branded ingredients. The pandemic encouraged corporate gifts to be sent directly to homes, and consumables became the desired instrument for companies.
However, branded gifts should have meaning. “Know your audience—less can be more. One quality item makes a bigger impact than more stuff, which might end up in the trash,” Zebell says. An innovative example could be a party for a radio station gifting portable speakers to encourage people to tune in later.
From the first event announcement to the experience itself, guests should be subtly immersed in the brand while still feeling like it was customized just for them. This is how branding becomes part of consumers’ culture and creates a lasting afterglow.
For a memorable experience with no shortage of space, move your meeting to an arena.
BY SAMANTHA JOHNSON
» FROM CONFERENCE ROOMS and restaurants to exhibition halls, meeting venues play an integral role in how guests interact during an event. Clients want a memorable experience, especially while in an unknown city, and hosting your event at a unique venue is a surefire way to provide one. Consider moving your meeting out of the boardroom and into an arena or stadium for an event to offer a lasting impression and memories your attendees won’t soon forget.
Head to Texas’ capital city of Austin for an unusual sports venue, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) . Much more than a racetrack, COTA is home to eight indoor and outdoor event spaces, and an expertly staffed kitchen available to create personalized menu options. Take advantage of the unbeatable views of the Paddock Loft, complete with amenities like terrace and balcony seating, TVs, and trackside views of the racetrack’s front straight. The top floor of the Main Grandstand at COTA works well for large groups, with over 7,000 square feet of space to entertain. The customizable floor plans, built-in bar, two concession areas and kitchens, colorful lighting options, and audiovisual capabilities make it easy to tailor the space to your event.
Meetings, your way.
Top-rated resorts and meeting spaces for all the ways you work, play, and stay.
Learn more at VISITFRISCO.COM/MEETINGS
San Antonio’s newest esports arena, Tech Port Center + Arena , has top-notch technology, including a 60-by-20-foot LED wall screen and large musical Tesla coils that create light and sound effects. The arena has more than 130,000 square feet of space and multiple areas for private events. Small events for up to 25 guests can use The Suite, an exclusive space to meet and watch events at Tech Port. Customizable premium packages include amenities like food, beverages, and VIP parking. Large groups fill the main arena space with tables, using the stage and large screens to display visuals.
Home of the World Series champion Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park is the perfect stadium for events big and small, and has 15 spaces to choose from. The grand entrance, known as the Union Station Lobby, features extravagant archways and columns connected to ceilings that seem to go on for miles. The historic space, originally constructed in 1911 and incorporated into the ballpark later, can host up to 800 guests in a variety of formats. For a more modern setting, the recently renovated Gallagher Club is the ballpark’s newest premium event space. With a capacity of 350 and the ballfield as a backdrop, the Gallagher Club provides a one-of-a-kind experience.
Houston’s NRG Stadium normally hosts the NFL’s Houston Texans and rodeo events. But the stadium also offers more than 700,000 square feet of single-level exhibit space that can be configured into more than 100 variations. The main exhibit space can be split into 11 separate halls or two conference centers. Event planners can take advantage of high-speed internet access,
production facilities, more than 100 TV monitors, security, and specialized staffing—all supporting the venue’s goal of providing distinct hospitality and a world-class experience.
The Curtis Culwell Center in Garland is a state-of-the-art, multipurpose venue. With more than 190,000 square feet of space, the center is home to an arena, upper concourse, conference center, ballroom, and lecture hall. The arena boasts more than 6,000 seats and 17,000 square feet of floor space that can be configured for multiple setups in front of a 13-by-22-foot screen. The lecture hall is a more intimate space that can accommodate 120 guests in theater format. “The Curtis Culwell Center is the ideal location for a variety of public and private events,” says Kevin Welch, assistant director of sales and booking at the center. “The senior management team has over 100 years of combined industry experience to help promoters and planners create a successful event.”
In the heart of Dallas, American Airlines Center includes many top-of-the-line features for event hosting, such as optical networks, high-definition televisions, and a 1,500-square-foot video board. Guests can view a dazzling display of Dallas history in the Ultra Club, where the lounge interior is covered in a storied timeline of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars. The in-room sound system and several TVs make this a great reception-style space for up to 225 people. For a live-action backdrop with tons of natural light, the 3,500-sqaure-foot Marche lounge is the optimal choice for groups up to 175.
Whether it is team building or a trade show, Texas-sized hospitality and venues await.
An entrance to Minute Maid Park evokes the spirit of America’s favorite pastime.PHOTOS: ADOBE / JOE HENRICKSON;
ACROSS THE STATE, NEW HOTELS AND EVENT VENUES CATER TO A RESURGENT MEETINGS INDUSTRY.
BY TERESA KENNEY
TEXAS’ HOSPITALITY LANDSCAPE is growing. At the end of last year, Dallas was No. 1 on the U.S. hotel construction pipeline list—a list the city topped for the fourth consecutive quarter. “The United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report” by Lodging Econometrics notes that Dallas has 173 projects and 20,707 guest rooms under construction. And of course, Dallas isn’t the only city in the state busy updating its skyline. Across Texas, new hotels and event venues have popped up or are nearing completion. We looked at some of the newest hotels and event venues in the Lone Star State.
Opened in early 2022, this event center offers 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space with 15 room configurations. The largest—the Rio Grande Summit Room—features a 52-foot-by-12-foot video wall display for state-of-the-art presentations. The venue is located next to El Paso International Airport and offers panoramic views of the Franklin Mountains. The property can host expos, educational events, private parties, and philanthropic galas. An on-site cafe can also provide catering. esc19.net
AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk opened in October 2022. The hotel shares an address with the Element by Westin hotel. Featuring views of the River Walk, downtown San Antonio, and Hemisfair, the hotel features 181 guest rooms and occupies floors 13-20 of the building. The two hotels also share a business center, 4,000 square feet of meeting and event space, an 1,800-square-foot fitness center, and the rooftop bar and lounge called 1 Watson. ac-hotels.marriott.com
The Moody Center in Austin is available for private rentals; Above: Lobby of the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
The Thompson Austin opened in the heart of the city’s downtown as a part of a dualbranded property in January 2022. The luxury hotel features 212 guest rooms and suites, and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The largest space is the 3,890-square-foot Red River Ballroom. The Thompson shares an address with the Tommie Austin, another hotel with an eclectic vibe. Also on-site are the restaurants The Grey Market and The Diner Bar, along with the fourth-floor Wax Myrtle’s Club + Pool, which offers a game room and private dining thompsonhotels.com
Austin’s Moody Center debuted in April 2022. The 530,000-square-foot, 15,000seat multipurpose venue is a development of Oak View Group (OVG), Live Nation Entertainment/C3 Presents, The University of Texas at Austin, and actor Matthew McConaughey. The venue hosts concerts by world-class artists, including John Mayer, George Strait, Leon Bridges, and Willie Nelson. It also serves as the home court for The University of Texas at Austin women’s and men’s basketball teams. Available for corporate and private rentals, the venue includes 44 suites, nearly 2,000 club seats, three premium clubs, 57 loge boxes, and one VIP club called the Moët & Chandon Impérial Lounge. moodycenteratx.com
Embassy Suites by Hilton Round Rock opened in April 2022. The all-suite hotel is located next to the Round Rock Premium Outlet Mall, and near Dell Diamond Stadium and Old Settler’s Park. Located 23 miles from Austin, the hotel features 180 rooms and more than 17,000 square feet of event space. It also has on-site dining, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. hilton.com
The largest resort development in the country is scheduled to open spring 2023. The Omni PGA Frisco Resort will be located 30 miles north of Dallas and will feature 500 rooms and suites, as well as 10 four-bedroom ranch houses, three pools, an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, 12 dining options, and a destination spa. The resort is part of a 600-acre complex that includes the headquarters of PGA of America—the first major international sports organization to call Texas home.
Omni PGA Frisco Resort will be a new destination for meetings and events. Planners can take advantage of its more than 127,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including a 22,000-square-foot grand ballroom, an 11,500-square-foot junior ballroom, and a 5,000-squarefoot pavilion with an event lawn.
The resort will also offer groups two 18-hole championship courses designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, a 10-hole course, a 2-acre putting green, the Lounge by Topgolf, a PGA Frisco coaching center, and an entertainment district. When open, the resort will play host to the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and 26 additional championships scheduled in Frisco through 2034, including two PGA Championship events and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. omnihotels.com
Dallas is welcoming its first JW Marriott in 2023, courtesy of Dallas-based real estate developer Sam Moon Group. The 23-floor hotel will feature 267 rooms, a rooftop pool deck and bar, multiple dining options, a gourmet market, and indoor-outdoor meet ing and event spaces, including a grand ballroom. The venue is one block from the Dallas Museum of Art. The hotel is scheduled to open in spring 2023.
A new resort in Frisco is perfect for groups wanting to get down to business before hitting the links.
Tinman Social in Little Elm opened in June 2022. This two-story venue offers indoor and outdoor dining, full-service bars, and party and event rooms. For activities, guests can take advantage of the venue’s 14 bowling lanes, 48-game arcade, six ax-throwing lanes, indoor and outdoor bocce ball courts, indoor and outdoor cornhole games, and large fire pits. The venue also offers “fowling” lanes—which is a twist on bowling that entails tossing footballs instead of rolling bowling balls to knock down pins. Its creative menu includes items to share, such as French fry flights and pretzel charcuterie boards, as well as specialty cocktails and craft beer. tinmansocial.com
The 16-story, 267-room Blossom Hotel Houston opened in February 2022 and was quickly named one of the “10 Hottest New Hotels in the U.S.” by TripAdvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Situated near NRG Stadium, the hotel has more than 9,000 square feet of event space, including a meeting hall that can accommodate up to 250 guests. Additional amenities feature an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and lounge, a fitness center, dining options, and a lobby lounge. blossomhouston.com
Reimagining everything from room setups to agendas, meeting planners create new standards to ensure successful events.
a global community of brand leaders who are tapping into environmental and social challenges to drive innovation, business, and brand value. “We need to continue to innovate and find ways to convince attendees that it will be a valuable use of their time—and time, after all, is their most valuable resource. It’s all about value creation now.”
just doesn’t cut it anymore. The landscape of meeting planning is going through a quiet revolution, and the old rules no longer apply. Instead, they are being replaced with new treatments from the once-sacred conference tote bag to the way chairs in the ballroom are arranged. We talked to meeting planners who are creating fresher, more authentic approaches to your average meetings.
Potential attendees are no longer automatically signing up for meetings they have always attended. Instead, they are demanding a compelling reason as to why they should spend their time away from home and work to attend a meeting. “We need to lure attendees back with ‘can’t miss’ on-site experiences,” says Maggie Pearson, president of Evergreen Meeting Management of Herndon, Virginia. “They are looking for that experience, followed by networking and educational opportunities.”
“Everything needs to serve a purpose,” says David Fiss, director of corporate partnerships and event strategy at San Francisco’s Sustainable Brands,
In the age of social media, it has become hard to remain patient without getting constant “hits” from new content. With the consistent influx of pings and notices, Fiss acknowledges that maintaining attendees’ attention is harder than ever. “All our brains have been trained by social media to watch videos that are 30 seconds long,” Fiss says. “Now we are asking folks to go to a one-hour cocktail party, which can seem like a very long time in our new reality.”
Fiss suggests that meeting planners ask themselves what they can make happen at a one-hour event to keep attendees entertained and engaged. He provides this comparison as an example: “If they just went to a Lizzo concert last night and now they are at your keynote session, how will you match that experience? That may not be fair—of course we don’t have the kinds of budgets that Lizzo has—but it’s important for all of us to realize that expectations are higher than ever.”
We can all recite the standard meeting agenda from memory: earlymorning pastries and coffee leading into a jam-packed general session, with short breaks and an in-and-out lunch. It’s a schedule that is punishing to body and soul, especially with many attendees’ new focus of maintaining a balanced life, even when at a meeting. “Everything used to be structured around maximizing the time of ‘butts in seats,’” says Julie Walker, a meeting planner at Choice Meetings in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. “Clients also wanted a very structured classroom-type setup in their meeting rooms, never giving any thought to individual learning styles or comfort levels.”
Those rules are increasingly being broken to make way for lessstructured meetings that allow time for serendipitous networking and more meaningful conversations. “Feedback from participants tells us that they also want to participate in community service requirements (CSR) and give-back activities, and they really enjoy team-building experiences—when they are executed well,” Walker says.
Attendees also want time to attend to everything else on their minds from a work and leisure perspective. The scheduled times that allow them to respond to inquiries throughout the day, instead of having to cram a full workday into the few hours after dinner, can really make a difference. “Even with virtual attendees, we tell them in advance that they will have those breaks and when they will be, so they can plan their day accordingly,” Fiss says.
“WE
As many organizations are beginning to gather for the first time in a few years, meeting planners are asking them to take a fresh look at how they want to conduct major elements of meeting design. “One facet of our work with clients is to identify sacred cows, things they have always done that could or should be eliminated or refreshed,” says Lisa Block, executive vice president of conference strategy and design at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting in Aurora, Ohio.
Instead of doing what has always been done in terms of ceremonies, introductions, and endless speeches from organizational and board leadership, clients and planners are focusing on what matters most. “They’re stripping the fluff and focusing on storytelling and audience engagement, when possible,” Block says, and they are rethinking other former must-haves like private receptions, buddy programs, spouse or partner events, ribbon cuttings, and, as she puts it, “welcome events that aren’t very welcoming.”
“Space allocation for groups is going to have to change,” Pearson says. “For so long, we have seen the same sets in the same rooms, because properties want to maximize their space for profit, so they fit as many people as possible into the fewest number of rooms. In the future, they will need to loosen their grips on their space and configurations to work with planners.”
Here are some considerations Pearson suggests for more space-conscious meetings:
» MORE SPACE THAN EVER BEFORE If your event is more technically complex or theatrical, you are going to need extra square footage. In addition, public health concerns require more space to adhere to safety protocols.
» REFRESHED FURNISHINGS Traditional lecture furniture, with a lectern at the front of the room and chairs neatly lined up in rows, is no longer a “rule” for meeting setups. Instead, it’s being replaced with more creative pieces from properties, such as soft sofas with plenty of lower-back support, stylish swivel seating, and beanbag chairs.
» BALANCING SAFETY AND HOSPITALITY No matter how the space is laid out or designed, it is important for the attendees to feel both welcome and safe. Cozy and inviting spaces will always be appreciated, as will seating options that allow attendees to sit far enough away from each other to be within public health guidelines. If weather permits, outdoor patios and other spaces can offer the perfect balance.
COZIER SEATING ELICITS INCREASED INTERACTION AMONG ATTENDEES.
“Learning doesn’t just happen in the meeting room behind closed doors under the big screen, featuring death by PowerPoint,” Walker says. “We grow when we connect and share ideas with each other, and our attendees expect and demand these opportunities now.” Lining up a few experts at a long table for every session just doesn’t cut it anymore, either. “We think the ‘all panels, all the time’ format needs refreshing,” she says.
One way to set the tone and let attendees know that things are going to be different is to create rooms that feature a blend of high-tops or other standing options along with traditional classroom-style seating. That way, each person can find a type of seating that accommodates their personality and mood. Stand-up meetings often encourage more interaction and engagement, and Walker says that they tend to be the most high-energy breakouts of an entire meeting.
Old-school meetings kept attendees on-site from morning to night, but that’s changing as people express a desire to explore the meeting location and the area’s highlights. “Connecting with local communities increasingly is an objective for our clients,” Walker says. “Through these different activities, we are able to engage the senses and foster new ways of learning—which will have a lasting impact on the attendees.”
“People who travel to an event want to feel good about being in that location, and they don’t want to be part of a crowd that destroys a way of life for residents,” says David Lorenz, vice president for Travel Michigan. To accomplish this, Lorenz suggests that planners collaborate with local convention and visitors bureaus to bring a region’s amenities and attractions to light.
Sustainability is an important element coming into fruition. For any type of event, Fiss says attendees are increasingly
noticing how every single element is accounted for, including waste reduction, straw usage (or the materials they are made of), and even the amount of meat that is being served at meals.
For Fiss, that might mean that a longstanding complimentary item like the meeting gift bag could sail into the sunset, dragging a raft of mousepads and stress balls in its wake. “Giving away bags full of stuff no one wants just isn’t cutting it anymore,” he says. And for every sustainable action that’s being taken, meeting planners need to make sure that it’s been effectively communicated to stakeholders and attendees. “You have got to let them know what steps you are taking and what potential impact those actions might have,” he says.
The delicate balance between safety and sustainability might also be shifting as a response to changing
public health considerations, which can be a win-win for everyone. “One of the ways meetings focused on safety after the start of the pandemic was by offering single-use items for food and beverage service,” she says. “I hope this can change as we learn more about COVID-19 safety, because then properties will be able to reduce single-use items and be more sustainable.”
“I would love to see the name badge lanyard go away forever,” Walker says. “Why are we wearing name badges at our navels where no one can see them? It’s especially awkward at mealtime when we’re all sitting down, and our name badges are below the table.” Walker offered up the inspirational hashtag #losethelanyard for her meeting planner colleagues to adopt, as they consider a return to attendee IDs that can be viewed at eye level.
The pandemic has enhanced our awareness of safety precautions for physical health and in organizational wellness. With digital wallets, consumers have a contactless way to pay for, or access, their event necessities. They also enhance the overall customer experience through efficient, direct transactions from consumer to vendor or vice versa.
The attention to safety influences how of consumers worldwide choose to make their transactions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Financial Assistants, such as Clerkie and SoFi , monitor how your money is spent. Users can implement these smart aids to track bills, create effective financial strategies, and receive feedback on monetary goals.
Digital wallets are a way to compartmentalize a range of identification. From state IDs and passports to Social Security cards and medical records, users can create an all-in-one solution to ID management.
of users think that contactless payments using digital wallets are the safest bet for financial exchanges.
Super apps , like WeChat , provide users with access to financial resources beyond facilitating payments. Along with processing transactions, they offer other financial resources including tracking various accounts, loan offers, and investing.
Wearable IDs are most commonly in the form of a smartwatch and, more recently, key fobs. Brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung have created their own means of digitizing on-the-go personal data as a way for users to organize their financials beyond a leather wallet.
Fort Worth’s Panther City BBQ, in collaboration with Texas Monthly magazine and Travel Texas, set the Guinness World Record for Longest BBQ Marathon Team on July 15. Three pitmasters—co-owners Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales, as well as employee Mark Montenayor—continuously barbecued for 40 hours, 49 minutes, and 17 seconds, beating the old record set in Italy in 2014 by 48 minutes and 20 seconds. The attempt drew a large crowd on the 105-degree day.
“At any given time, there were as many as 80 to 100 people present for the event,” says Magallanes. “Now, that fluctuated because we cooked overnight, but even overnight, 15-20 people hung out until 2-3 a.m. just to cheer us on.”
The record attempt was filmed from several different angles to document the event, and a representative from Guinness World Records arrived on the last day to verify it. “The record was a very cool event, to bring that barbecuing record back to Texas,” says Magallanes. “We love to have that record here.”
Panther City BBQ serves Central Texas-style barbecue including brisket, ribs, sausage, and a little Tex-Mex mixed in. The restaurant is available for buyouts, and Panther City also caters its full menu. –Todd R. Berger
» AS NEWBIES ON THE BLOCK, La Onda and El Rincon del Maiz are putting DallasFort Worth on the national map for something more than just good ol’ barbecue.
Bon Appetit’s 50 Best New Restaurants list includes these two area eateries.
Located in a little blue house on Race Street in Fort Worth, Latin-inspired La Onda features one-of-a-kind seafood. Emulating a classic dry-aging technique seen in steakhouses, Chef Victor Villerreal removes some of the moisture from the meat to enhance the flavor and texture of the fish. What’s on the menu, you ask? Well, the best way to see is to pay a visit because the restaurant sources its inventory from fresh catches that week—providing an ever-changing menu that keeps customers on their toes.
Located inside a former Sonic drive-in in the Dallas suburb of Garland, El Rincon del Maiz is home to classic South Mexican food. Although it offers a “regular” menu with classic chicken, pork, and steak offerings, the joint is truly praised for its eight varieties of homemade corn tortillas (beet, cilantro, chipotle, chocolate, guajillo chili, mango habanero, nopal, and plain) and extensive array of plantbased options. –Ava Diaz
Opened last October, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin brings the outside in with a modern twist. Chic design, abundant greenery, natural textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel welcome guests warmly. The hotel is home to 108 guest rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
On the eighth floor is Nido, an elegant restaurant serving “modern American with a European flair,” says Pilar Florez, director of sales and marketing for
The Loren. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, and an extensive beverage program includes sophisticated wines and cocktails in tune with the refined opulence of the hotel.
In addition, the hotel offers meeting spaces of different sizes, most notably their largest, Cielo, on the eighth floor. The space showcases “180-degree views of Austin,” says Florez, and 1,500 square feet of indoor space alongside 600 square feet of outdoor space on the attached
terrace. “You can really soak in the beauty of the skyline,” she adds.
A smaller space on the seventh floor, Arboreto, offers views of the city’s Butler Park and 350 square feet of space. Two smaller spaces on the hotel’s ground floor will open later this year, offering room for more intimate meetings and accessibility to the hotel’s coffee bar, which debuted late last year. –Amanda Christensen
Slated to open this year, Galveston’s Hotel Lucine brings a new airiness to the streetscape of the Texas island. In the oldest midcentury modern-designed building in the city and one of the last two of its kind still standing, the property showcases architecture that is rare to the area, says Keath Jacoby, hotel co-founder and head of marketing and branding.
It will have 61 guest rooms, three food and beverage components (The Fancy restaurant, The Den, and a rooftop bar), a central courtyard and pool, and private beach access.
Focusing on smaller group meetings and retreats, it will offer a 575-square-foot private space, The Lanai, for groups of 15-20, alongside additional space to rent at the rooftop bar and near the pool area. The private beach across the street from the hotel offers guests outdoor wellness activities like yoga on the beach.
“We’re just really excited to bring something different to the island,” Jacoby says. –Amanda Christensen
» WITH EYES TOWARD improved conditions for hotel and restaurant workers, the union UNITE HERE Local 23 hosted the first Austin Hospitality Workers Summit last August. Held at the Hilton Austin, the first unionized hotel in the city, the 75-100 gathered workers and supporters set a list of goals they called the Texas Hospitality Workers Bill of Rights.
The bill of rights includes seven priorities for the union: the right to join
a union, living wages and health care access, affordable housing for workers, access to public transportation, training and advancement opportunities, and equal treatment regardless of nationality, race, gender, or sexuality.
“The bill of rights is not enforceable,” says Aileen Bazan, an organizer with Local 23. “It is a vision for our union and for the future of our organizing and hospitality work.”
Many community leaders signed on to the bill of rights, including Austin Mayor Steve Adler; U.S. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvia Garcia, and Al Green; nine Houston city council members; five Austi n city council members; and several state representatives, state senators, county judges, and county commissioners.
–Todd R. Berger
» MARRIOTT BONVOY’S ELEMENT HOTELS unveiled a collaboration with Lettuce Grow, a nationally recognized leader in hydroponic gardening co-founded by actor Zoey Deschanel. Together, they are providing travelers with direct access to free, farm-fresh produce while on the road.
This first-of-its-kind hospitality collaboration brings all the perks of mindful eating to travelers, no matter how long they stay or how far they are away from home. Travelers staying in select Element Hotels can enjoy meals garnished with fresh herbs and greens sourced from a Lettuce Grow Farmstand on the property. During their stay, guests can also harvest produce directly from the Farmstand to bring to their private studio kitchens.
“Element Hotels has always believed that everyone deserves to be well, no matter who they are or where they are coming from, which is why we have made it a top priority to provide locally grown options and sensible choices for our guests,” says Marlon Whyte, global brand leader for Element Hotels. –Todd R. Berger
elementhotels.com
lettucegrow.com
Last November, Royal Caribbean International held a ribboncutting ceremony in Galveston to celebrate the opening of a new $125 million terminal and the arrival of the state’s first Oasis Class ship, Allure of the Seas. Honored guests included U.S. Representative Randy Weber and Galveston Mayor Craig Brown.
Royal Caribbean first set sail from Galveston 20 years ago, and this new state-of-the-art, 161,334-square-foot facility is expected to welcome as many as 630,000 travelers a year. In line with Royal Caribbean Group’s environmental goals, the terminal is also the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world, generating all its energy through solar panels.
“We are thrilled to take family vacations to a whole new level in Texas,” says Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, speaking of the recent expansion.
Allure of the Seas offers guests myriad options while on the open water. The ship travels with seven signature neighborhoods that are home to more than 30 restaurants, a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue called the AquaTheater, and the open-air Central Park featuring live plants. Adventurous guests will enjoy the nine-story-high zip line, two surf simulators, rock climbing, and ice skating.
“This new cruise terminal is a game changer for the port and the region,” says Rodger Rees, port director, Port of Galveston. Rees says the port is expected to bring 800 new jobs, $1.4 billion in local business revenue, and $5.6 million in state and local taxes—benefitting the tourism industry in the region and funding business development in Texas. –Amy Durham
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The International Festival & Events Association hosted its 65th Annual Conference (IFEA World) at the McAllen Convention Center last September. It was the first time since 2011 that the convention was hosted in Texas, and it was the first in-person conference for the international organization in three years. The theme of the conference was “Metamorphosis. Off-Balance. On Purpose.”
1. Celebrating the 2022 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Gold Grand Pinnacle winners
2. Opening keynote speaker Dan Thurmon 3. Attendees networking and meeting exhibitors at IFEA World
4. Giant letters welcome attendees
5. A colorful exhibitor at IFEA World
6. The Mariachi mariposas welcome guests to the IFEA Foundation Fiesta.
To have your meeting or event photos featured, contact adurham@greenspring.com
When Sarah Trocolli graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a degree in journalism, she did some of the usual things one would expect—like managing media relations for Texas State Technical College in Waco and serving as the marketing manager for Magnolia Real Estate, also in Waco.
The last thing she expected, however, was a future working at a gun club. But now, as the director of events and membership at Waco’s Republic Gun Club, she is having a blast.
“I had worked at Cabela’s for two years but never thought it would lead to this by any means. When I saw the advertisement for this job, I saw an opportunity to work for a new business in town,” Trocolli says.
Trocolli knows from experience the impact of a new business. “I was working at a hotel downtown when the Magnolia Silos [an upscale outdoor shopping and dining district in Waco] opened. I remember it vividly, it was crazy, there were tons of people, and it was pouring down rain. Our shuttle ran continuously back and forth,” she says. “I knew then that Waco was going to change, I knew it would never be the same. But it’s also because of that change that new businesses like this can start and flourish.”
The two conference rooms and gun range at the Republic Gun Club can provide space to think differently. “It can change things up for corporations to come someplace like this, to get away from the day-to-day and get those creative juices flowing,” Trocolli says.
One of the most popular itineraries for groups is to host meetings in classrooms, followed by a team-building activity at the shooting range. A range safety officer is always provided to ensure attendees’ safety.
Oppositely, one of the more unusual uses for the space has been for baby showers. “I never thought in a million years we would see that,” she says, laughing.
Trocolli’s favorite part of the job is helping individuals and groups figure out creative ways to use the facility. “I want this place to become the one that people think of whenever they are wanting somewhere out of the ordinary. We make events easy, flawless, and fun.”
Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, completed the first phase of the state’s only Nordic spa, offering three hot pools, three cold pools, a sauna, a wellness bistro, and massage services, all surrounded by the northernmost rainforest. alyeskaresort.com
Known for its glass-domed igloo accommodations and aurora-viewing opportunities, and located 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, Borealis Basecamp is now open in both summer and winter. There are five new “cubes” with floor-to-ceiling windows for additional lodging. borealisbasecamp.net
Now operating as a fly-in lodge through 2023, Camp Denali in Alaska’s Denali National Park & Preserve dates to 1952 and has 19 guest cabins and a main lodge. Camp Denali offers activities led by staff naturalists and schedules guest speakers. campdenali.com
Looking for something a little different to plug your group into? Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former winter home and laboratory of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It offers Sunsets and Sips the second and fourth Thursdays from October through May, and a Wellness Series on the first Saturday and the third Tuesday of every month, featuring activities like yoga, tai chi, meditation, and hiking. A wide variety of spaces is also available to rent. franklloydwright.org
Flathead Field in Kalispell, Montana, is the new home for the city’s Pioneer Baseball League team, the Glacier Range Riders. Opened in June, the venue features 2,500 seats as well as 12 luxury suites and picnic party areas available for games and private events. gorangeriders.com
The 58,000-square-foot Wachholz College Center, completed in fall 2022 at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, has a 1,000-seat performance and lecture hall and a multipurpose activity complex. The complex features a fitness center, gymnasium, art gallery, recital hall, and outdoor amphitheater. All spaces are available for meetings and events. fvcc.edu
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole introduced the results of a major renovation. All suites, guest rooms, and public hallways were fully refreshed with subtle colors and earth elements such as woods and metals. The room and suite renovations include all new furniture, artwork, lighting, wall and floor coverings, private bars, and work areas. fourseasons.com/jacksonhole
Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City added 700 guest rooms in Utah’s capital city upon opening in October. Located adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center downtown, the 25-story property features 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a broadcast lounge, and four distinct dining venues. hyatt.com
After undergoing a complete renovation, the 179-room Sierra Nevada Resort in Mammoth Lakes, California, relaunched in November. The property features more than 7,800 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space and 10 cabins, as well as 20 new four-bedroom villas that will debut this May. thesierranevadaresort.com
Operating for the second season under its new name, Palisades Tahoe is debuting its Base to Base Gondola that connects the two valleys of the resort next to the town of Olympic Valley, California . The launch makes Palisades Tahoe one of the largest ski resorts in North America with 6,000 skiable acres and a full spectrum of lifts, terrain, dining, and meeting venues. Traversing 2.4 miles, the ride takes 16 minutes. palisadestahoe.com
In tandem with becoming certified carbon neutral by Climate Impact Partners in August, Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico has several sustainability initiatives underway. For example, chairlifts and snowmaking equipment use solar power, the resort is electrifying its fleet of vehicles (including snowmobiles, cars, and a snowcat), a food composter diverts more than 90% of food waste, and single-use plastics have been eliminated. skitaos.com
» ESTABLISHED IN 2016 in Portland, Oregon, by classical pianist Hunter Noack, In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild replaces the traditional concert hall with America’s stunning vistas. A 9-foot Steinway grand piano is transported on a flatbed trailer to national parks, working ranches, farms, historical sites, and urban greenspaces for concerts by Noack that connect people with the surrounding scenery. The music is transmitted to concertgoers via wireless headphones to address the acoustical challenges of performing in the wild and allow participants to wander around. In a Landscape is available for corporate events. inalandscape.org
Welcome to Colorado Springs, where our wide-open spaces, 300 days of endless blue skies and stunning natural scenery serve as the backdrop to your meetings and events. Discover unique venues, first-tier amenities and an array of properties. From countless trails and open spaces to delicious local dining, Colorado Springs has everything you need to create a memorable experience for your attendees. Here, you’ll find room to inspire, innovate, connect and re-energize.
Learn more at VisitCOS.com/meet
Located on the southside of Idaho Falls, the Mountain America Center will be a game changing amenity for Eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls is the hub of Eastern Idaho. It is the largest metropolitan area between Salt Lake City and the
Canadian border and a major jumping off point for tourism in the Greater Yellowstone area. It is also a growing center of economic activity: since 2000, the population of the Idaho Falls area has grown a whopping thirty-one percent.
• 11,000 sq, ft. banquet and conference space.
• Flexibility to be split into five separate meeting rooms.
• Accommodate sessions ranging from 500 to 5000 people.
• State-of-the-art HVAC system.
• Upwards of 2,800 hotel rooms.
• Family-friendly. • Scenic River Walk and Falls.
BY BETH BUEHLER
» WHEN WE sent out an inquiry looking for craft breweries located in the Mountain West that have meeting and event space, our curiosity cup was filled to the brim. Not only are these gathering places delivering creative brews, but they are also renovating historic buildings, occupying former theaters, operating scratch kitchens, and offering live music and events.
According to the Brewers Association in Boulder, Colorado, the top three states in the Mountain West with the highest number of craft breweries are: California (931—No. 1), Washington (437—No. 4), and Colorado (428—No. 5).
Figueroa Mountain Brewing is named after the popular hiking peak that dominates the Santa Ynez Valley of California. On the brewery campus in Buellton (the company’s original taproom), a private mezzanine bar area, large outdoor patio, and stage are available for booking, and a private events concierge can help customize offerings to match clients’ needs. There is a full menu of gastropub fare and delicious beers. figmtnbrew.com
The Bakers’ Brewery in Silverthorne is a scratch kitchen for all menu items, including buns, pretzels, and breads for sandwiches. The semiprivate Brewers’ Corner seats up to 35 and looks down on the brewing operation, and in the summer larger groups can spill over onto the patio/biergarten. Bonuses for groups are live music two nights a week during busy times and three hotels across the street. thebakersbrewery.com
Located downtown in an 1892 stone building, Stronghouse Telluride Brew Pub has a variety of beers on tap and a menu full of comfort food and pub favorites. The entire space is available for event use and can hold up to 50 people seated at tables and 100 for buffet-style or passed appetizers. A covered, heated patio is also available, weather permitting. stronghousebrewpub.com
It is especially easy to toast the end of a day of meetings in Boise, which has two breweries that work well for groups. At
Western Collective Beer’s downtown location, Western Proper, the dining room, parlour, and patio can be rented individually or opt for a buyout of the entire facility. Not only is there great beer and a full bar and food menu, the parlour’s game lounge features mini bowling, Skee-Ball, mini basketball, air hockey, and more. westernproper.com
Lost Grove Brewing is just off the Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile treelined pathway. The patio features an outdoor bar and holds over 200 for large events, while a private room that can fit 40 is ideal for smaller gatherings.
Tap into the cool vibe of local breweries for refreshing places to meet and celebrate.Sharing Cinnamon Roll French Toast at Western Proper in Boise, Idaho
Tours are available with patio rentals, and there is plenty of craft beer and handmade pizza, salads, and appetizers to feed hungry appetites. Lost Grove is the first brewery in Idaho to receive B Corp Certification. lostgrovebrewing.com
A Kalispell staple since 2018, Bias Brewing has now moved into a larger space that can accommodate up to 35 guests. A variety of local beer is on tap, including Bias creations, and there is a full menu offered by the on-site Heck’s Kitchen. biasbrewing.com
Rio Bravo Brewing in Albuquerque transformed the 1949 Firestone Co. building into a modern tap room with a large bar, game room, biergarten with a stage, patio, and a large brewing area with glass windows to watch brewers in action. Upstairs, the Barrel Room for meetings and events holds up to 80 seated, while the biergarten can host up to 400. Rio Bravo’s scratch kitchen prepares a full menu, 24 tap handles pour a wide range of beer styles, and craft root beer and cream soda are available. Brewery tours that include a
beer sample served at the end can also be booked. riobravobrewing.com
Frontier Brewing Co. recently moved into downtown Casper’s historic Fox Theater, which provides the venue with great programming opportunities and beyond-thenorm brewery gathering spaces. Groups can buy out the entire facility, rent the Frontier Arena that accommodates up to 87 guests, or book the large auditorium for up to 180. Enjoy small-batch craft beers, bring in your own food, or take advantage of catering options. frontierbrewingcompany.com
There is no formula for destinations like Sun Valley, Steamboat Springs, and Jackson Hole—simply put, no one can argue with the fact these are mountain classics. are
hat defines a classic?
In the case of ski towns, it is typically an equation that begins with mining and ranching communities in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, historic downtowns, ski villages, and outstanding terrain for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of outdoor activities. Plus, they are a little hard to get to, which keeps out the masses, and are populated with locals dedicated to protecting their heritage.
» Four Seasons
and
Jackson Hole » Hotel Terra Jackson Hole » Lodge at Jackson Hole » Snow King Resort » Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa » Virginian Lodge » Wort Hotel
» The Jackson Center for the Arts » Jackson Hole Mountain Resort » National Museum of Wildlife Art » Mill Island Ranch
» Snow King Mountain » Walk Festival Hall
It is important to know that Jackson Hole refers to not one town but the 42-mile-long valley between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges in northwestern Wyoming.
Jackson was incorporated in 1914 and is the largest town in Jackson Hole, while Teton Village is the area at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is 12 miles from downtown Jackson.
Because the soil was not ideal for raising crops, homesteaders ranched rather than farmed, and tourism took hold in the area with the establishment of dude ranches. Later, skiing entered the mix when Snow King Mountain in downtown Jackson evolved from the town’s first official ski hill that followed a trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.
Jackson Hole and the Greater Teton region also offer more than 100 Nordic skiing trails and 40 fat bike trails, all listed along with outfitters, trail conditions, and more at jhnordic.com.
Don’t miss walking under the elk antler arches on each corner of the town square and stopping by the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and Silver Dollar Saloon for music and dancing.
SMI Travel of Bradenton, Florida, has brought meeting and incentive groups to Jackson Hole since the 1980s. Guests stay in Jackson at hotels that exude the town’s personality and provide easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.
“For our smaller groups, we choose the historic Wort Hotel, located right on the town square and with nice meeting space options,” says Ashley Sellmer Nelson, national sales representative for SMI Travel. “For our larger groups, we choose the western elegance of the Rustic Inn. The individual cabins are just perfect for a group, and we like to buy out the Spa Suite building for our VIPs or executives.”
In the second scenario, the lodging at Rustic Inn is paired with the meeting and event space at the Wort.
Jackson Hole also scores big with attendees due to the activities, attractions, and ranching culture. “Not to be missed is the National Museum of Wildlife Art,” Nelson says. “If you are lucky, you might find one of the local photographers home and available for your event. Also, no trip is complete without a visit to the Mill Iron Ranch.”
In winter, SMI Travel groups snowmobile through Yellowstone National Park, ski, tube, dog-sled, and go on wildlife safaris. Summer favorites include whitewater rafting, all-terrain adventures, and fly-fishing.
jacksonhole.com | jacksonholechamber.com | snowking.com | visitjacksonhole.com
Legend has it that French fur trappers thought the spring along the Yampa River sounded like a steamboat, resulting in the name Steamboat Springs, founded in 1900. The town remained isolated until the arrival of the railroad in 1908. Ranching and western culture remain especially strong here, and the vibe has expanded to include a tourism infrastructure that also involves skiing, hot springs, and outdoor adventure.
Established in 1915, Howelsen Hill is Colorado’s oldest ski area in continuous use, while the larger Steamboat Resort officially opened in 1963. Both continue to evolve with Howelsen Hill introducing a snow-tubing area and lift this season, while Steamboat Resort is debuting the second phase of its $200 million multiyear transformation that includes Skeeter’s Ice Rink, The Range Food & Drink Hall, and a second gondola featuring a new beginner learning area.
For an additional adrenaline rush this winter, consider Bridgestone Winter Driving School and Steamboat Powdercats,
The Children’s Hospital of Colorado Burn Camps Program has hosted its five-night Winter Burn Camp in Steamboat Springs for more than 10 years. It’s a gathering of more than 30 young burn survivors, ages 13-18, from around the country.
“We continue to partner with The Steamboat Grand, year after year, for a myriad of reasons,” says Alec Rhodes, program director for Winter Burn Camp. “First, the location and access cannot be beat. The proximities to the mountain, rental shops, and ski school make it easy and efficient for a group to maximize the skiing and snowboarding experience. Second, and probably most important, the staff is incredible. Lastly, the meeting rooms are very functional for the size of our group.”
The group books two meeting rooms on the first level of the property—one for meals and the other for meetings—and five to seven condominium-style guest rooms.
“Steamboat is the perfect place for our group to gather. Our folks are coming from all corners of the country,” Rhodes says. “Steamboat provides a unique and memorable experience for everyone.”
one of Colorado’s oldest snowcat skiing operations. To get a taste of the West, attend the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo and stop by F.M. Light & Sons, a fifthgeneration western retailer.
Additional happenings on the what’s-new list is the opening of The Boat Yard food truck venue and The Commons food hall, and the expansion of the beverage scene with Routt Distillery and The Hop House.
Shopping
By the early 1880s, Ketchum was a booming mining town, famous for its healing hot springs. When the silver market collapsed in 1890, most of the town’s residents departed and sheep became the area’s leading industry. By 1918, the sheep population reached 2.65 million, making Ketchum second to Sydney, Australia, for sheep exports worldwide.
Two decades later, things began to change in a big way. Austrian Count Felix Schaffgotsch arrived in the valley in early 1936 after being hired by former Union Pacific chair Averell Harriman to scout the western United States. His mission? To find the best place to build a destination ski resort. Harriman purchased the 3,888-acre Brass Ranch near Ketchum, and in less than a year, Sun Valley Lodge was completed, and Union Pacific engineers invented the first chairlifts in the world for the resort. The town of Sun Valley was incorporated in 1947 and quickly became a hideaway for notable celebrities like author Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in neighboring Ketchum
Located less than 2 miles apart, Ketchum encompasses the historic mining town grid and is the primary town for the area, while Sun Valley is made up of the resort village, golf courses, and residential neighborhoods.
From a Planner
TMN Events provides both destination management company services and corporate event planning for regional, national, and international clients visiting Sun Valley and Ketchum.
“Sun Valley Resort has the best and most comprehensive meeting space in the valley, especially for large groups,” says Patrick Moloney, owner of TMN Events based in Boise. “Although Sun Valley is no longer a best-kept American destination secret, it is still one of the most unique and beautiful mountain destinations in the United States.”
The wide variety of available activities and culinary options provides a wealth of options for TMN Events’ groups.
“Obviously, alpine skiing in the winter is the main draw but there is also Nordic skiing, snowshoe excursions, and snowmobiling nearby. Summer activities include golf, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, local cruiser biking, local tours, and photography classes to name a few,” he says. “Off-site dining is also a draw with many excellent and diverse restaurants in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area.”
Across the United States, casinos furnish planners with one-stop shopping for their meeting and event needs.
At the beginning of 1978, casinos could only be found in Nevada—no other state had legal gaming. On May 26, 1978, Resorts Casino Hotel opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a year and a half after the state’s voters approved a referendum legalizing gambling in the city to bolster the economy in the area.
A year later, the Seminole Tribe opened the first Native American-owned casino in the United States, the Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida. Initially a bingo hall, it soon expanded to include gaming machines and poker. During the 1980s, as Native American casinos spread, several state governments pursued court cases to try to shut them down. The tribes argued in court that their status as sovereign nations (per an 1831 U.S. Supreme Court decision classifying Native American tribes as “domestic dependent” nations) made them exempt from state laws against gambling. Finally, in
1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians (480 U.S. 202 [1987]) that gambling on tribal lands did not fall under the legal jurisdiction of the states. The next year, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which allowed tribes to open casinos on tribal land in states that already permitted legalized gambling. By 1996, 25 states had legal casinos.
Around the same time period, the Mirage opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1989. This ground-breaking casino resort was the largest hotel in the world when it opened, commencing the era of casinos making money through nongambling activities, including, at The Mirage, shows featuring white tigers and the magic of Siegfried & Roy, a volcano, and an aquarium. The idea was to make customers feel like they already struck it rich with a Polynesian theme, ostentatious opulence, and free food. Built by Steve Wynn and today owned by Hard Rock International, the Mirage fundamentally changed the Las Vegas Strip.
Within a few years, more spectacular, themed resorts appeared up and down the Strip and nearby, including Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, and Paris Las Vegas, both owned by Caesars Entertainment.
The latest style of casino resorts, the rise of Native American gaming, and the spread of gambling across the country ushered in a new era of casinos that provided the perfect setting for gatherings and conventions of all varieties.
Today, 44 states (all except Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Utah) have casino gaming resorts that cater to meetings and events. Almost anywhere in the United States you wish to meet, there is likely a casino resort that can fulfill—and exceed—all your event needs.
Agua Caliente Casinos
Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage, California
Founded: 2001 (Rancho Mirage), 2003 (Palm Springs), and 2020 (Cathedral City)
Size: 23,500 Capacity: 1,000 aguacalientecasinos.com
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Founded: 2003 Size: 49,000 square feet Capacity: 3,500 borgata.mgmresorts.com
Caesars Entertainment
Founded: 1937 Caesars Entertainment has more than 60 casino resorts in 17 states and 2 million square feet of meeting space across its destinations. Event spaces include the new CAESARS FORUM on the Las Vegas Strip, which has the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world. caesars.com
ilani
Ridge eld, Washington
Founded: 2017
Size: 30,000 square feet Capacity: 2,500 ilaniresort.com
e Mirage
Las Vegas, Nevada
Founded: 1989 Size: 90,000 square feet Capacity: 8,650
Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, Colorado
Founded: 1997 Size: 5,000 square feet Capacity: 250 monarchblackhawk.com
MotorCity Casino Hotel Detroit, Michigan
Founded: 1999 Size: 67,500 square feet Capacity: 10,000 motorcitycasino.com
Pechanga Resort Casino Temecula, California
Founded: 2002
Size: 274,500 square feet Capacity: 7,000 pechanga.com
Quechan Casino Resort Winterhaven, California
Founded: 1996 Size: 20,000 square feet Capacity: 2,300 playqcr.com
Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City, New Jersey
Founded: 1978 Size: 64,000 square feet Capacity: 1,350 resortsac.com
Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood Hollywood, Florida
Founded: 1979 Size: 120,000 square feet Capacity: 5,000 seminolehardrockhollywood.com
Sky Ute Casino Resort Ignacio, Colorado
Founded: 2008
Size: 19,000 Capacity: 2,000 skyutecasino.com
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Founded: 1998 Size: 70,000 square feet Capacity: 13,000 soaringeaglecasino.com
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Fort McDowell, Arizona
Founded: 2006 Size: 25,000 square feet Capacity: 2,000 wekopacasinoresort.com
Wildhorse Resort & Casino Pendleton, Oregon
Founded: 1995
Size: 11,000 square feet Capacity: 1,000 wildhorseresort.com
MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
From slot machines and blackjack tables to horse races and bingo, there are a variety of ways to gamble. As a means of entertainment for some, casinos are an unconventional-yet-effective way to generate immense revenue, some of which is funneled back into society.
Of course, the success of a casino depends on gamblers’ confidence in their luck and their willingness to wager. Apparently, people are indeed increasingly confident in their abilities as, according to the American Gaming Association, gambling revenue has risen 21% since 2019, reaching a lofty record of $53 billion in 2022. Nearly $30 billion of that revenue came from 460 tribal casinos across 28 states. With so much money funneling into casinos, taxes on casino revenue are a primary financial resource supporting state and local programs.
By Ava Diaz
Gaming wasn’t always a catalyst for societal advancement. Following the 1929 stock market crash and the construction of Hoover Dam beginning in 1931, Nevada’s economy was in dire need of economic stimulation. Operating as a small railroad town, Las Vegas was soon gaining traction from the infiltration of construction workers moving to Boulder City, 25 miles down the road, to build the dam. Gambling trips to Las Vegas became routine for workers. With
increased popularity and a sudden cash flow, Nevada’s government legalized gambling in 1931 to quickly generate funding to restabilize the state’s finances. Gambling was much later legalized in select states across the country.
To regulate the gambling cash flow, state and federal governments intervened in both commercial and tribal gaming. For tribal gaming, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act of 1988 to create a legal basis for the operation of casinos (in states that allowed gaming within their borders). The tax revenue from these establishments helped fuel steady employment, provide consistent cash flow for reservations, and create lively regional attractions. Some tribes with state compacts pay fees based on their revenue to state and local governments. As for commercial casinos, many states
implemented taxes based on gross revenue (after winner payouts) to maximize casino money rerouted into state coffers.
To combat a negative backlash over states’ revenue from gambling, 23 out of the 24 commercial gambling states designate a portion of their casino tax revenue to fund research and treatment for gambling addiction, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in Washington, D.C. Many commercial gaming states also use some of their tax revenue to fund public programs and services, including education, economic development, infrastructure, and the fine arts (anywhere from 20% to 90% of state funding goes toward state art agencies in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and West Virginia).
For tribes with state compacts, the breakdown of contributions awarded to the state varies based on need. The State of Arizona, for example, allocates 88% of its tribal gaming revenue to infrastructure improvement for schools, trauma and emergency care, wildlife conservation, and tourism. The remaining 12% is distributed to community service and public safety programs in cities and counties of the tribes’ choosing. Though the allocation of funds varies from state to state, the influx of money that filters through casinos provides states with a constant stream of revenue.
At casinos, there is fun to be had by all. Gambling, to some extent, can benefit individuals as a means of entertainment and the potential for winnings. Coming full circle, the money spent can work its way back into their lives through improved services and renovations of sites made possible by casino revenue.
Thirty miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, among the Joshua trees and greater roadrunners of the Mojave Desert, 323,000 solar panels covering the equivalent of 484 football fields glisten in the sun. This 100-megawatt solar array provides 90% of the electricity for 13 MGM Resorts International casinos and 36,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas, including ARIA Resort & Casino, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Away from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip, the sunshine collected by these panels spotlight a sustainable future for casinos worldwide.
Many casino properties are making sustainability a priority. Caesars Entertainment repurposes and recycles just about everything at its casinos, including used soap, towels, and dice. Caesars’ hotels also conserve energy by turning off lights and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms. Visitors to Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, and Paris Las Vegas who order a glass of Zinfandel are served a vintage directly from a keg rather than a bottle.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines on its website that focus on green initiatives for tribal casinos, and, certainly, many across the country embrace sustainability. Chumash Casino Resort, operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in Santa Barbara County, California, has sharply cut electricity usage in its complexes. The tribe built new facilities in 2004 that included doublewalled insulation, a reflective rooftop, and a wastewater treatment plant that reclaims water; the improvements saved the tribe 18% in energy costs. Similarly, Michigan’s Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel implemented skylights to provide natural light and replace electric lighting as early as 2008, reducing energy use by a stunning 50%.
As MGM Resorts International did outside Las Vegas, many tribal casinos also turn to the sun for energy generation and to efficient lighting for energy conservation. In addition to being the first solar-powered casino in Southern California, Harrah’s Resort Southern California—operated by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians—has a wastewater treatment plant that generates reclaimed water for cleaning and irrigation, and a biodigester that turns food waste into water. At many casinos, tribal or not, much more efficient LED lights are largely replacing incandescent bulbs, not an insignificant trend given casinos’ tendency to use lights on everything from slot machines to video displays.
Some casinos take measures to improve life for other inhabitants of their region. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in California— with casinos in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City—partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to monitor endangered peninsular bighorn sheep through data collected from high-frequency collars. The Tulalip Tribes in Washington, which run two casinos north of Seattle, operate a salmon hatchery on tribal land that raises and releases 11.5 million juvenile salmon each year.
The tribes—including the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied bands—also actively manage the habitat of the Salish Sea (including Puget Sound) to support several species of clams, shrimp, and Dungeness crabs.
The sustainability landscape for casinos has evolved dramatically in the last few decades. Many casinos now measure environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria alongside the financial bottom line. Often, casinos see setting ESG goals as essential to saving money and increasing profit. Those that do embrace sustainability will be able to thrive as society evolves toward a greener future.
FIND THE PERFECT SETTING for your gathering at Agua Caliente Casinos. No ma er which of the three premier properties you choose—Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, or Cathedral City—your event is sure to exceed expectations.
Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage has a variety of venues for your next event, including a 13,000-square-foot conference center that’s perfect for larger groups and a scenic outdoor event lawn, complete with dramatic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. For a more intimate venue, book the private Wine Room at The Steakhouse. Awarded four stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the renowned restaurant o ers gourmet steaks and seafood alongside fine wines.
Agua Caliente Palm Springs, in the heart of downtown, is where luxury meets laid-back. The Cascade Lounge is a swanky venue complete with a stage, dance floor, central bar, and elegant booth seating. The Steakhouse is also available for booking premier group dining.
Agua Caliente Cathedral City is the newest property in Agua Caliente’s collection. The 12,000-square-foot Agave Caliente Terraza is an outdoor entertainment space nestled among stunning skies and picturesque mountain views. Hosting your next corporate or private event there guarantees a unique experience.
BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is a top-of-theline destination to host meetings and events—with an added flare of excitement for everyone who a ends.
As the premier casino resort on the East Coast, Borgata is just a one-to-twohour drive away from Philadelphia or New York City, and the amenities will wow a endees in a variety of ways. Multiple slot machines and table games can be found on the casino floor to appeal to any gamers. The fine-dining outlets spread across the property can be reserved for a team meal a er a day of meetings and are sure to delight everyone’s taste buds. With skilled chefs across the property, catering for an event has never been easier.
Whether something grand or intimate is needed, Borgata’s event planners help select the ideal location and layout for each event. Business meetings, conventions, and trade shows can all be planned in one of the 11 secluded event spaces away from the casino floor that accommodate groups from 10 to 700. Each space is equipped with the latest technology, which is customizable. Borgata is equipped to make executing an event feel like hi ing the jackpot.
With more than 50 first-class properties spread throughout 20 destinations and 120 sales executives across the country, Caesars Entertainment’s vast empire promises not only a wealth of convenient options, but a commitment to provide unparalleled family-style services. From ideating an event to packing up on the last day, Caesars Entertainment ensures an easy, streamlined level of service to top off its continuously evolving collection of cutting-edge meeting spaces, unforgettable resorts, decadent restaurants, and more. Over the past year, Caesars Entertainment has shown concrete proof of its dedication to providing the best of the best, with massive new additions to its Las Vegas properties and beyond.
Part of the company’s latest evolution, CAESARS FORUM utilized its 550,000 square feet of conference space to host the 2022 NFL Draft, welcoming thousands of ecstatic sports fans. For the high-profile event, the FORUM created an enormous stage and stretched its outdoor space to include the nearby LINQ Promenade parking lot, helping to accommodate the massive audience. Located centrally amid 8,500 hotel rooms at Harrah’s Las Vegas, The LINQ, and Flamingo, CAESARS FORUM provides the two largest pillar-less ballrooms in the world, featuring modern design and flexibility.
The mecca of celebrity chef dining, Paris Las Vegas, welcomed a veritable constellation of star-studded restaurants this year. Sushi
legend Nobu Matsuhisa opened a second Las Vegas location of his eponymous Nobu restaurant at the resort. Next door, Bobby Flay debuted his fast-casual concept, Bobby’s Burgers, bringing a decadent take on burgers, milkshakes, and fries for guests on the go. Vanderpump à Paris—part of reality television icon Lisa Vanderpump’s portfolio—brought with it visions of an old Parisian courtyard. At the tail end of the summer, Martha Stewart’s first-ever dining concept, The Bedford, opened its doors.
In addition to huge new meeting spaces and decadent eateries, Caesars Entertainment has not forgotten to update the backbone of any stay: the accommodations. Harrah’s Las Vegas’ rooms and casino floor have undergone extensive renovations. Meanwhile, Bally’s Las Vegas is undergoing a complete transformation, from its exterior to its rooms and casino floor—preparing to reintroduce itself as Horseshoe Las Vegas by the end of 2022.
FROM HOSTING CONFERENCES and intimate meetings to epic concerts and worldclass entertainers, the ilani in Ridgefield, Washington, has the state-of-the-art facilities and expert staff to make any event a success. With 30,000 square feet of multiuse venue space, endless entertainment options, and a Four Diamond hotel coming in 2023, the area’s premier gaming, dining, entertainment, and meeting destination will help bring your event to the next level.
Equipped to accommodate groups and conventions of various sizes, the resort’s Cowlitz Ballroom can host a crowd of 2,500 for a variety of events. For a more intimate meeting space, the 650-square-foot Cedar Boardroom is perfect for private occasions. The Meeting and Entertainment Center is sure to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
The ilani is a unique gaming experience unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest, boasting a 100,000-square-foot gaming floor with nearly 3,000 slots and 75 gaming tables— something for everyone. With the casino nearby and pockets of entertainment throughout the resort, ilani provides a unique dining atmosphere—13 restaurant options encompassing fine dining, casual meals, bars, and quick bites for guests on the go.
MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA in Black Hawk, Colorado, is a world-class destination that brings vibrancy to events of all varieties. The breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains with dramatic canyon views presents a unique experience for visitors. Monarch’s meticulous meeting planners are dedicated to flawless execution from the moment you arrive—whether hosting 3 or 250, the resort o ers easily configurable spaces, featuring state-of-theart amenities, scenic views, comfort, and elegance.
Twenty-three floors above Black Hawk, seek solace at Spa Monarch, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation in the form of unique treatment options and spaces—an escape from everyday life. Experience heart-pounding gaming action in the two-level casino area, featuring over 1,000 slot machines, 40 game tables, a live poker room, and the Sportsbook Lounge. The floor is always open, providing easy access to free-time activities.
Five on-site restaurants o er dining options to satisfy any pale e or occasion. For a contemporary atmosphere, enjoy modern Mexican Latin cuisine at Bistro Mariposa. For a luxurious, upscale dining experience, visit Monarch Chophouse. Twenty-Four 7 and The Bu et are perfect options for casual dining, while Java etc. is the place to grab a Starbucks co ee and a quick bite on the go.
FROM
PRESENTATIONS to gala banquets, MotorCity Casino Hotel has the facilities to make the extraordinary happen for you. It’s the only place in Detroit that can o er sophisticated boardrooms, 67,500 square feet of flexible banquet and meeting space, and the state-of-the-art 1,500-seat Sound Board theater.
Guests at MotorCity enjoy luxury accommodations with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, valet parking, and 24-hour fitness and business centers. Add a spa, great dining options, and live entertainment, and you have an incomparable place for meetings and events. MotorCity boasts award-winning meeting professionals, an acclaimed culinary sta , and a friendly and professional event team that will ensure that your meeting is flawlessly executed.
At MotorCity, you can work hard and play harder. When you step onto the awardwinning gaming floor, you’ll find 2,700 slot machines including the latest multi-line video and 5-reel slots, 59 table games, and a 12-table smoke-free Poker Room. Plus, the spacious, two-story FanDuel Sportsbook boasts eight be ing windows, 67 HDTVs, a sports ticker, 54 self-service IGT PlaySports be ing kiosks, multiple bars, and plenty of plush leather seating.
Don’t just meet—be moved by the high-powered hospitality of MotorCity Casino Hotel.
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PECHANGA RESORT CASINO is nestled in Temecula’s picturesque Southern California Wine Country, the perfect place to stay and play with 1,090 beautifully appointed guest rooms. Guests are treated to exceptional entertainment, dining, and golf amid 24 hours of gaming excitement. The immense 200,000-plus-square-foot casino features more than 5,400 slots and 130 gaming tables. Encompassing 40,000 square feet is Pechanga’s event center—capable of dividing into five sections for a variety of events.
A world of culinary delights awaits at Pechanga’s award-winning restaurants. Featuring a variety of international cuisines, from fine dining to quick bites for guests on the go, the resort houses eight restaurants and a full-featured food court.
Find relaxation at Spa Pechanga: a two-level, 25,000-square-foot spa featuring 17 treatment rooms, a private pool with cabana massage service, state-of-the-art fitness studio, two indoor hydrotherapy pools, and hair and nail salons. The Cove, Pechanga’s 4.5-acre pool complex, features three main pools including a swim-up bar, floating day beds, and more. The world-class, par-72 golf course, Journey at Pechanga, is ranked one of California’s best, winding through 300 feet of native canyons and ravines.
QUECHAN CASINO RESORT is an ideal destination in Winterhaven, California—and is host to casino game favorites, four restaurants, and world-class entertainment. The expansive casino floor is home to a variety of gaming, from trying your hand at blackjack to spinning reels at a slot machine. Quechan Resort Casino has an array of eateries, whether you are seeking a fine-dining experience or a casual sports bar. Close to gaming action and great service, Quechan is the perfect place for hosting meetings and events.
Conveniently located next to Yuma, Arizona, Pipa Event Center is just a quick trip away. The event center is one of the region’s largest venues for weddings, meetings, and special events.
It offers a full-size stage and auditorium with seating for 2,300 and dedicated space for a dance floor. Boasting over 20,000 square feet of space—divisible into six stately rooms ranging from 2,415 to 3,174 square feet—the auditorium can be reconfigured for business meetings, team-building exercises, training seminars, trade shows, formal presentations, luncheons, dinners, banquets, weddings, and more. The expert staff of planners ensures flawless execution to make the most of all occasions.
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT is the ultimate place to have a winning time and is home to Michigan’s largest gaming floor. Whether you love playing for triple sevens or pu ing on a mean poker face, all guests can win big with one of the largest collections of slot machines and table games in Michigan—something for everyone. Additionally, guests can continue their hot streak over at the bingo hall.
Ge ing hungry? Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort presents a variety of topnotch, award-winning dining options that will appeal to everyone. Whether seeking a thick, juicy steak at an upscale steakhouse or a casual all-American burger and milkshake, Soaring Eagle has the options to satisfy every pale e.
What’s dinner without a show? When it comes to entertainment, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort has been voted the Best Outdoor Concert Venue in Michigan, and has won countless awards for bringing in top-tier talent to the middle of the state.
Escape the world for a while and enjoy endless action and indulgence. Celebrate your winning moments. Taste the good life. Lounge around in plush accommodations. And do it all over again tomorrow. It’s all here at Michigan’s most exciting destination .
SET AMONG the majestic beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is the jewel of the Phoenix area, located just moments from Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, Arizona. The resort is a stunning state-of-the-art oasis and the latest chapter in the rich history of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The casino features a spacious gaming floor with hundreds of slots; table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette; and the WKP Sportsbook powered by Betfred Sports. It’s all part of a spectacular resort getaway with numerous amenities and comforts.
Host to a number of eateries for any occasion, We-Ko-Pa showcases an incredible array of flavors from around the world.
A destination dining experience, Ember is the perfect stop for an upscale restaurant atmosphere. More casual options include WKP Sports Bar and Entertainment, Ahnala, and The Market.
The resort also serves those who love the outdoors. The We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is home to two award-winning courses, and Fort McDowell Adventures offers guests the chance to tour the desert landscape on horseback, by kayak, or through guided Segway tours.
Business and pleasure come together in the stunning beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Here, you’ll find 25,000 square feet of meeting space that’s flexible to suit gatherings large and small, as well as a 246-room hotel, unforgettable dining, and more. It’s all in the Valley’s finest AAA Four-Diamond Casino Resort.
WILDHORSE RESORT & CASINO sits 4 miles east of Pendleton among the wheat fields and Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The resort and casino has two 18-hole golf courses, nine restaurants, a five-screen cineplex, 24 bowling lanes, live music, and multiple indoor-outdoor event spaces with room for 12 to 720 people. It is owned by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which includes the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples, and carries on a long tradition of games pertaining to skill and chance from the region’s tribal cultures. The 10-story Tower Hotel has rooms and suites featuring spectacular views of eastern Oregon’s high desert plateaus. Nearby, visitors can tour the world-famous Pendleton Woolen Mills; host events at the Hamley Steakhouse, Western Store, and Saddle Shop; and pick huckleberries or hunt for mushrooms in the Umatilla National Forest. The region also features the Pendleton Round-Up in September, which includes the town’s annual rodeo, as well as brewpubs, wineries, and multiple restaurants and shops along the city’s Main Street.
UNIQUELY LOCATED amid the diverse Four Corners region of southwest Colorado, Sky Ute Casino Resort is the perfect hub from which to explore the area’s beautiful landscapes. The resort features Las Vegas-style gaming with a familyfriendly atmosphere and easy access to Rolling Thunder Lanes and Arcade and Chimney Rock Playground. Historic downtown Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, and Purgatory Ski Resort are also nearby. The resort features 140 culturally themed rooms and a 25-space RV park, along with on-site dining at Seven Rivers Steak, Seafood, and Spirits—the only authentic steakhouse in southwest Colorado.
In Beaumont, we don’t want you to have just any regular meeting. Our team of highly experienced meeting experts want to make sure your attendees get a taste of Beaumont and share amazing experiences with our partners. If you can’t see it all, we have opportunities for our partners to come to you. Or, if you want to get out and explore, we can plan exciting activities for you to experience the city.
When hosting your meeting in Beaumont, exploring the city is something that we want you to experience. From unique museums, an active nightlife, live music, outdoor adventures, and delicious food, Beaumont offers a number of options for your attendees to enjoy. It’s
Discover unexpected meeting spaces like the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum which is a replica 1901 oil town, or the Beaumont Botanical Gardens Center, where you will be immersed in acres of blooming flora and fauna. Beaumont is suitable for any size group or budget.
board room
